CAT Kits to Local Schools
An innovative project to provide ‘hands-on’ resources was undertaken in 2005 as part of the 30th anniversary of the founding of Canterbury Archaeological Trust (see page 6). The Trust has ‘rescued’ numerous significant sites in Kent and recovered tonnes of material dating from prehistoric times onward. Some of this has recently been utilized to produce valuable learning resources for 60 local schools and community groups.
Learning is easier for all of us when we are motivated, and for young people, learning through practical activity is a most effective way to literally get to grips with new skills and knowledge. For many years Ian Coulson, History Adviser for Kent schools, promoted this approach using portable museum loan kits and an old toolbox. It was this idea that was adopted for the Trust’s CAT KIT project and early last year its Education Service started aiming to embark on a major venture. The aim was to build up handling kits of archaeological objects (using material surplus to further academic study) plus a teacher’s book and enhance web materials.
The CAT KIT project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and provides for maintained and independent primary, secondary and special schools in the Canterbury District (Canterbury city, Whitstable, Herne Bay and their rural hinterland).
The CAT KIT package is composed of:
- pottery sherds, animal bone and building materials from Iron Age, Roman, medieval and post-medieval deposits and a handy case to carry them around in
- an ‘object kit’ listing other finds with suggestions for teaching activities
- a ‘CAT KIT Topics’ on our objects with attractive colour images
- a special primary teachers’ book and ‘reply bag’
Last September, a series of special CAT KIT training sessions were held in Canterbury, hosted by Marion Green and Ian Coulson. Teachers had the opportunity to discover the kits for themselves and their excellent educational potential. Everyone had a lot of fun and most of them went away inspired and motivated, taking a CAT KIT to keep in school or parish team to use at their convenience. Contact will be maintained with teachers during the academic year allowing evaluation of how the kits are being used.
Already, feedback is coming in. A teacher from St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School, Herne Bay said “As soon as I saw the box I was excited. I selected finds that...fit perfectly in with my History/Creative theme. You give the children a first-hand experience that they will always remember, really bringing history to life for them.”
The project has the full support of the owners of the objects, Kent County Council Schools Advisory Service, Canterbury Museums and the Kent Archaeological Society, the latter having supported the work of the Trust for many years.
For more about the CAT KIT project and the work of the Trust contact:
Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 92a Broad St, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2LU
01227 462 062
marion.green@canterburytrust.co.uk, admin@canterburytrust.co.uk
www.canterburytrust.co.uk
BELOW: Teachers discovering the potential of CAT KITS with Ian Coulson.
Marion Green
CAT Education Officer